Survivors

Faith had to write a report on 5 people that she thought were survivors. People that overcame severe odds and were wonderful people. She chose herself. This is what she wrote:

ME
Before my sister died, I was great and wonderful (of course) but I think most of the light I am bringing is from after my sister's death. Everyone is staring to kinda get back to real life, except my mom. She still doesn't feel like cooking or cleaning or doing the laundry. That is where I come in. I try to help around the house and help my mom. I let my mom and dad go on dates leaving me babysitting. If you just quietly do everything your mom says it keeps her really happy, but it feels like I have to do more than that. I bring light to this world by helping my family and those around me. I know maybe a few of you think I am not that kind or good, but I think I am at least trying my best to be a good person, and I think I'm doing pretty well ( if I do say so myself ).

Mom's Disclaimer:
I would just like to point out that I have been doing so much better the last two weeks. All the clean laundry is currently folded AND I made dinner every night for the last two weeks.

Here's the last part of her report:
JESUS
We all know about Jesus. We celebrate his birth on Christmas and his death on Easter. (He actually was not born on Christmas we just have chosen that day to celebrate him), but that isn't the point, Jesus has brought light to this world. If he hasn't than who has? He was probably the best fighter out there. He was kind to everyone, he healed the sick and raised the dead. I know that not all of us go to church, but we all know a little about Jesus-right? He lead the way and showed us a great example of what we are supposed to do while we are on earth. I think he is the best fighter out there. He was the only man ever to be completely perfect. He even died for us. So that we could be repented of our sins. Jesus knew there was a darkness and he fought it. He used his power in a good way and did all the good he could.

I am so grateful to be the mom of this amazing girl.

It's Still January in My Heart

Time seems frozen. My world on pause. I look around and see my Christmas Tree still up, my Christmas cards still taped to the cupboard and it's SNOWING. Yep. April 24th. Snow. So it's no wonder that it feels like January.

At least my tulips are blooming.


And I refuse to wear anything except my new capris. Hurry Spring!!!

Which one is your favorite?

Mike and I went away for a much needed break from real life. We met this really chatty lady that worked in the bed and breakfast we stayed at. She asked us if there was a reason we came.

"Just a weekend away from the kids."
"How many kids?"
"5"
"Wow. How are you so tiny? You should be enormous." (Totally loving her at the moment.)
"How old are they?"
11, 10, 7, 4 and 2
Which one's your favorite?

I probably should have said, "my boy" and graciously excused myself but instead I found myself telling a stranger all about Joy. So she starts in on this story about how she and her friend had baby boys close together.

When her boy was 6 months old, her friend's boy died. She goes on to tell me that she doesn't talk to her friend anymore. She feels awkward and sad and a little guilty that she still has her son. He just turned 1 and she thinks it would be too hard for her friend to see what she is missing. She just doesn't know what to say around her friend so she avoids her. I told her that she should call her friend and let her friend decide if it's too hard. I suggested emailing her because you can say you are thinking of her without being put on the spot about what to say. I told her that I find great comfort in seeing the little girls that are my daughter's age. Yes it's sad and I miss her but I also love seeing the moments that I'm missing.

I hadn't really thought about how my friends were feeling or if I am uncomfortable to be around. This conversation made me so grateful for my friends. They have been wonderful. The friend that lets me cry in her kitchen, feeds me baked goods, and lets me stare longingly at her daughter. The friends that email sweet thoughts, call to check in, and are at my beck and call for favors. The friends that trim roses, take me to lunch, and listen to me complain about life while we walk. I can safely say that I don't think I would have made it without you.